The Paradox of the Pakistani Nation!
Ishtiaq Ahmed
Bradford: For many, the blessed month of Ramadhan is a time to ease off from daily chores and set aside the pressures of everyday life to focus on renewing and reaffirming their faith. It is an opportunity to reconnect spiritually, strengthening one’s faith through prayers, gratitude, reflection, and repentance.
It is also a time for realigning one’s approach to life by modelling it in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and Rasul Allah (PBUH).
However, for others, particularly, traders dealing in groceries, fruits, clothing, and footwear, Ramadhan presents an opportunity to capitalise on increased demand for essential goods. Many engage in exploitative pricing, doubling or even tripling prices of certain essentials.
This practice starkly contrasts with other Muslim countries where prices remain stable during Ramadhan. Even more strikingly, in non-Muslim countries like the UK, large retail food chains such as Asda, Morrisons, and Tesco offer special Ramadhan discounts on essential food items such as flour, sugar, oil, and rice as a gesture of respect and acknowledgment for the significance of the holy month.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/trump-and-jutts-the-saga-continues/
It is disheartening to see that, in Pakistan, the opposite occurs, with businesses using every possible means to extract more money from consumers, disproportionately impacting those at the lower end of the income spectrum. This practice is not only unethical but also un-Islamic.
While I appreciate the government’s announcement of a Ramadhan relief package for the poor and vulnerable, complemented by numerous private philanthropic efforts that become particularly visible during this month, these measures alone are insufficient.
A more effective approach would have been for the government to impose price ceilings on essential goods, coupled with stringent enforcement measures to ensure compliance. Such an initiative would have provided broad-based relief to the entire population.
Pakistan continues to struggle with high unemployment, irregular employment, soaring prices, and a declining economy. These factors collectively exacerbate poverty levels in the country.
Disturbingly, Pakistan ranks fourth among the top ten countries with the highest poverty rates, standing at 68.8%, just above India at 64.9%. The three countries with higher poverty rates are South Sudan (82.3%), Somalia (76.8%), and Nigeria (70.7%).
Read More:https://thepenpk.com/no-digital-nation-pakistan-without-open-internet/
Understanding the human impact behind these statistics is crucial for fostering empathy and inspiring change. Pakistan’s 68.8% poverty rate underscores a nation grappling with complex challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, and inadequate access to education and healthcare.
The effects of poverty are deeply felt by families struggling to provide even the most basic necessities for their children. Despite various government programmes and community initiatives, these efforts remain inadequate in the face of a declining economy, high unemployment, and an out-of-control cost of living.
Pakistan urgently requires a long-term vision supported by a practical and sustainable action plan to rescue its economy. This must include strategies to enhance inward investment, create meaningful employment opportunities, and improve access to education and healthcare, and shift societal values away from the prevailing culture of consumerism.
Only through such comprehensive reforms can Pakistan hope to achieve economic stability and social equity for its people.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
The author is a British citizen of Pakistani origin with a keen interest in Pakistani and international affairs.
